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Toy Trains and Temples TMIN8

Guide price

Toy Trains and Temples

Hill stations and holy temples

This five day itinerary is a great addition to any journey in India. Throw yourself into Indian life and take the narrow gauge train to the old hill station of Shimla, where Rudyard Kipling based his 'Plain tales from the Hills' novel. Roam through marbled courtyards in the grounds of the ornate Golden Temple in Amritsar, and embrace the noise and commotion at the closing of the border crossing to Pakistan.

Enriching tailormade journeys – for you

This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in India. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1890.

Toy Trains and Temples - Authentic Version

1Toy Train to Shimla

Depart Delhi for Kalka, where you'll transfer to a narrow gauge track and continue to Shimla on the remarkable ‘Toy Train’. Climbing from the plains below, the train meanders for 93 km, ascending over 1600 m through an incredible 103 tunnels and passed some of the most scenic landscapes in the region.

Overnight: Woodville Palace Hotel
Included Meals: None

2Explore Shimla

The town of Shimla stretches out along a crescent shaped ridge, its alpine style houses shaded beneath dense evergreen forests. The old British hill station, with its colonial buildings and beautiful promenades is overlooked by the snow-capped Himalayas, making it one of the most scenic places to visit in North India. In the morning you will visit the imposing Viceregal Lodge, followed by the Command House, Gaiety Theatre, the Town Hall and Christ Church. The afternoon has been left free for you to explore at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Mall or Lower Bazaar.

Overnight: Woodville Palace Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

3Journey to Amritsar

This morning is free to do some last minute sightseeing before taking a scenic train journey to Amritsar.

Overnight: Hotel Ritz Plaza Amritsar
Included Meals: Breakfast

4Golden Temple

Amritsar was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Ram Das. Today you will visit The Golden Temple which was built in the heart of the city in 1589 and remains the holiest of all Sikh shrines, housing the Holy Book from which the granthis read from dawn until late evening. You will also visit Jallianwala Bagh, the emotional memorial site of the 1919 massacre of hundreds of unarmed demonstrators. Late afternoon you transfer to Wagah border to watch the closing of the border ceremony. The flamoyant Indian and Pakistani guards attract a large crowd and a brilliant atmosphere.

Overnight: Hotel Ritz Plaza Amritsar
Included Meals: Breakfast

5Depart Amritsar

Unfortunatly its time to depart Amritsar for the UK or your next destination.